JPS and Israel
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April, 2014 Dear Friends, In its own small way, JPS works to bring the U.S. and Israel closer together. More broadly, we connect English readers with the Hebrew-reading world by publishing significant works of Israeli thinkers. |
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Last year we published From Gods to God by eminent Hebrew University professors Yair Zavovich and Avigdor Shinan, a provocative work that traces the reshaping of pagan myths in the Bible.
This year we are proud to bring you Ruth Calderon's sparkling debut, A Bride for One Night: Talmud Tales. As many of you know, Dr. Calderon was recently elected to the Knesset and is a pioneering teacher of Talmud in Israel.
Judy Tal Kopelman's special Holocaust story for children, Grandpa's Third Drawer, will be published next month. It has won the highest awards in its genre in Israel and praise from Eli Wiesel.
And next year we will publish Micah Goodman's Maimonides and the Book That Changed Judaism: Secrets of the Guide for the Perplexed, which sold 40,000 copies in Israel, where it was on the bestseller list for 27 weeks.
I will not hide the fact that publishing works in translation is challenging and expensive. But as a mission-driven organization we remain committed to books of enduring worth, no matter the economics—and for this we continue to need your support.
With best wishes for a festive Passover,
Rabbi Barry L. Schwartz
Director
New Releases
A Bride for One Night: Talmud Tales |
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By Ruth Calderon, PhD, M.K. Ruth Calderon has recently electrified the Jewish world with her teachings of talmudic texts, and here she offers a window into some of the Talmud's liveliest and most colorful stories. Calderon retells these tales as richly imagined fictions, drawing us into the lives of the characters. And is so doing she breathes new life into ancient writings in a bold and innovative way. |
The Bible's Many Voices |
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By Michael Carasik, PhD The Bible is a human document full of history, poetry, politics, theology, and spirituality. Carasik helps us distinguish between the Jewish Bible's voices. In these contrasts we encounter Scripture anew, as a living work whose many perspectives tell us about the world out of which the Bible grew—and the world that it created. |
Grandpa's Third Drawer: Unlocking Holocaust Memories |
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by Judy Tal Kopelman Kopelman takes up the difficult challenge of discussing the Holocaust with young children, of teaching its heritage and memory, all in a gentle and discreet manner. The story of a silent grandfather unexpectedly confronted by his curious and loving grandchild is accompanied by rich illustrations, which include authentic preserved objects donated by Holocaust survivors from Theresienstadt. |
The JPS/Skirball Author Series
A unique opportunity for learning with world-renowned scholars
In partnership with the Skirball Center for Adult Jewish Learning
at Temple Emanu-El
One East 65th Street, New York City
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The Bible's Many Voices Admission is free. Register here or call 212-507-9580. |
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A Bride for One Night Admission is free. Register here or call 212-507-9580. |
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Videos of past JPS events can be found here.
JPS in the News
JPS director, Rabbi Barry Schwartz, announces plans for the new JPS Textbook Series including JPS Anthologies of Jewish Thought and JPS Series in Jewish History.
Philadelphia's Jewish Exponent features three articles about JPS
(January, 23, 2014):
- "The Jewish Publication Society Opens a New Chapter"
- "'Unabridged Bible' Links Rabbinic and Biblical Periods," about Outside the Bible
- "New Book Probes Judaism's Identity Crisis," about The New Reform Judaism
Ruth Calderon's book is the focus of Tablet magazine feature article:
Hatemail is a National Jewish Book Award Finalist in the Visual Arts category
Major article in Tikkun Magazine (Winter, 2014):
Rabbi Dana Kaplan is interviewed on The Jewish Channel's program Up Close about his book, The New Reform Judaism. Note: his appearance begins at 5:26.
All news and book reviews can be found at www.jps.org.
Thank You, 2013 Donors
JPS books are substantial works of Jewish scholarship, requiring significant resources. The majority of JPS books would have never made it to the hundreds of thousands of people around the world whose lives have been enriched by them if it weren't for the generosity of our donors.
We offer a heartfelt thank you to our donors who gave $180 or more during 2013. Thank you for supporting our enduring mission to publish the great books of Judaism.
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JPS Pioneers ($18,000+) Joel and Tammy Rubin JPS Patrons ($5,400+)
Edward E. and Betsy Z. Cohen JPS Benefactors ($3,600 +)
Anonymous JPS Friends ($1,800+)
Ayelet Tours JPS Supporters ($360+) Adolph Abbey Fund of the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation |
JPS Contributors ($180+)
Rabbi Rachel Ain |
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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING JPS!We are about great books...we hope you will be too. Reminder: Gifts of any size are welcome. If your gift is $1,800 or more, you may choose a future title to direct your gift. Your name will be included on the dedication page. An annual gift of $180 or more entitles you to a 40% discount on JPS books. |
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